Man United buoyant over chances of landing Colombian star
Published:Going purely off of speculation to emerge from the world’s rumour pages, it seems Manchester United haven’t quite learned their lesson in the transfer market, as the latest name to be linked with Old Trafford doesn’t play at centre-back.
Despite an overwhelming need to add both quantity and quality to the heart of his defence, Louis van Gaal is reportedly not chasing one of the world’s finest attack-stoppers, but is instead buoyed about his chances of landing a winger this January.
Juan Cuadrado, the Colombian international who shone at the World Cup this summer, was a Red Devil target from the minute he first impressed in Brazil, but a move for the Fiorentina star never quite progressed beyond newspaper chatter.
While there’s every chance that the latest links with the 26-year-old could be of the same, column-inch-filling ilk, Cuadrado’s growing frustrations with his contract extension in Italy could play right into United’s hands.
The Viola are obviously quite keen to extend their star player’s deal, but are reaching an impasse with the winger over salary, with the club only willing to offer £50,000 per week and the winger wanting £70k.
As has become clear in the purchases of Luke Shaw, Angel Di Maria and the loan of Radamel Falcao, United aren’t shy in offering hefty wages, which could turn the Colombian’s head as he grows increasingly uneasy about his situation.
The 31-cap international would add more versatility to Van Gaal’s squad as he’s able to play in a front three or as a wing back, but his arrival would also further tip the scales on what is already a top-heavy squad.
Given the situation United find themselves in, passing up a player of Cuadrado’s quality is unlikely to be an option as they look to chase down a spot in the top four at odds of 8/13.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.
